Needle device having enhanced safety

ABSTRACT

A medical device, such as a Huber-type device, includes a structure that enhances operator safety by reducing the likelihood that a needle will accidentally injure an operator. In one embodiment, the device includes a collapsible structure that can move from a use position to a non-use position. The device includes first and second wing portions and a channel for covering the needle as it is extracted from the patient. The structure enables the operator to leverage applied pressure for a smooth removal of the needle into the device for safe disposal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to medical devices and, more particularly, to medical devices having a needle for insertion into a patient.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Medical devices for injecting fluids into a patient are well known in the art. One such type of device is generally referred to as implanted ports, which can be implanted subcutaneously in a patient. Various types of ports can be used to provide access to the peritoneal cavity, as well as the vascular, arterial, and epidural systems. The ports typically include a catheter for access to a large vein and a port body having a septum, which is generally formed from silicone.

The port is implanted within a cavity formed in the patient, such as in the chest area, and sutured to underlying tissue. From time to time, it is desirable to refill the port via the septum and/or provide an external source of fluid, e.g., IV access. One type of device used to refill an implanted port is generally known as a Huber needle. Known Huber needles generally include a needle extending from a base structure. With sufficient expertise and experience an operator, such as a nurse, can insert the needle into the port via the septum, which is sliced (not cored) by the needle for self-sealing. The Huber needle can then be taped to the patient and fluid delivered to the patient intravenously as desired via a coupled to the Huber needle device.

However, conventional Huber device can be relatively difficult to remove from the patient. An operator may need to apply a significant amount of force to initiate removal of the device. If the needle suddenly releases, the operator may be accidentally injured by the needle as it is uncontrollably freed from the patient. In addition, even after safe removal, known Huber needle devices can present a hazard due to the outwardly extending needle.

It would, therefore, be desirable to overcome the aforesaid and other disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a medical device, such as a Huber needle, having a needle and a structure that enhances user safety during removal of the needle from a patient. The inventive structure reduces the likelihood that medical personnel will suffer injury from the needle as it is forcibly removed from the patient. While the invention is primarily shown and described in conjunction with a Huber-type needle, it is understood that the invention is applicable to devices in general in which it is desirable to reduce the possibility of injury from a needle.

In one aspect of the invention, a medical device includes a central structural member from which a needle extends. At least one wing portion extends from the central structural member for facilitating removal of the needle from the patient in a controlled manner. A base member for contacting the patient's skin is coupled to the central structural member. First and second members are pivotably secured to the base member so as to provide a structure that can be transitioned from a use position in which the needle extends from the device for insertion into the patient and a non-use position in which the needle is captured by the first member as the needle is extracted from the patient.

With this arrangement, an operator leverages pressure applied to the wing portion(s) with a finger (s) and counter pressure on the first member so as to enable a controlled removal of the needle from the patient. In addition, the collapsible/expandable structure captures the needle in the first member as it is removed from the patient to enhance operator safety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective schematic depictions of a medical device having enhanced safety in accordance with the present invention in the non-use position;

FIG. 2A is a perspective schematic depiction of the medical device of FIG. 1 in the non-use position;

FIG. 2B is a perspective schematic depiction of the medical device of FIG. 2A in a use position;

FIG. 2C is a bottom perspective view of the device of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3A is a perspective schematic depiction of a medical device having enhanced safety in accordance with the present invention in a non-use position;

FIG. 3B is a perspective schematic depiction of the medical device of FIG. 3A in the use position;

FIG. 4A is a perspective schematic depiction of an exemplary medical device having enhanced safety in accordance with the present invention shown in a non-use position;

FIG. 4B is a top view of the device of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 4B;

FIG. 5A is a top view of the exemplary medical device of FIG. 4A shown in a use position; and

FIG. 5B is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 5A along line 5B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A-1B show a medical device 100 including a needle 102 and a structure for enhanced operator safety in accordance with the present invention. In general, the device structure facilitates removal of the needle from a patient and captures the needle as it is retracted from the patient's body. During use, the device is relatively flat or collapsed and the needle extends outwardly for insertion into an implanted port device, for example. After use, the device is transitioned to the non-use position in which the needle is captured within the device. As described below, the device can include various features to prevent a transition to the use position from the non-use position to preclude re-use of the device.

The device 100 includes opposed first and second wing portions 104,a,b extending from a central structural member 106. As described below, the wing portions 104 provide surfaces on which an operator can apply pressure to insert the device. This arrangement leverages the force applied to the device so as to provide smooth, and safe, insertion and extraction of the needle from the patient.

FIGS. 2A-2C show further details of an exemplary medical device 100′ having a structure providing enhanced safety features in accordance with the present invention. In general, the device of FIGS. 1A and 1B is similar to the device of FIGS. 2A-2C in which like reference designations indicate like elements. The device 100 includes a series of interconnected members that move with respect to the central structural member 106 for safely transitioning the device from use position to the non-use position. The various members shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B are marked with a particular shape as shown to designate the corresponding parts on each of these figures.

A first member 110 is pivotably coupled to a skin-contacting base member 108 at a pivot 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the first member 110 includes an arcuate portion 110 a for accommodating the stacked members in the use position, as best shown in FIG. 2B. A second member 114, at respective pivots 116, 118, extends between the base member 108 and the first member 110. In one embodiment, the second member 114 includes first and second sub portions 114 a,b joined at a pivot point 120 to enable the second member first and second sub portions 114 a,b to fold under the first member 110. It is understood that these members have mirror images on each side of the central structural member 106.

The device further includes a raised portion 122 that can form a part of the first member 110. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the raised portion 122 can include a depression 124 that can be pressured by a operator's thumb, for example, to insert the device into the patient. As used herein, the use position refers to the needle outwardly extending from the device for insertion into a patient. In the use position, the device is “flat” or collapsed.

As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, (and 4C and 5B) for example, the central structural member 106 can include a slotted channel 126 from which the needle extends perpendicularly, for example. The needle 102 can have an L-shape to facilitate coupling of the needle with a tube (not shown) disposed within the channel 126. The needle can be secured within the channel 126 in a conventional manner, such as by adhesive.

The device can include various features to improve the operation and safety of the device. For example, the device can include one or more latches to further enhance operator safety.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the device can include a first latching mechanism 150 located at an end of the first member 110. In one particular embodiment, the first latching mechanism includes a tab 152 to facilitate detachment of a latch member 150 a from a receiving aperture or cutout 150 b in the central structural member 106. The latching mechanism 150 can be released to raise the first member 110 by lifting the tab 152 prior to removal of the device from the patient.

A second latch 180 shown in FIGS. 3A (and 4C) for example, can be located at a tip of the first member 110 so that the needle is retained within the first member. In an exemplary embodiment, the needle 102 is captured by an arcuate cavity 182 formed in the first member 110. Once the device transitions to the non-use position, the second latch 180 prevents the device from transitioning to the use position by retaining the needle within the cavity.

In another embodiment (not shown), the device can include mechanisms to provide unidirectional movement to the non-use position. In one embodiment, the first member includes a ratchet-type device allowing only movement of the first member 110 away from the base member 108. An exemplary ratchet-type device is shown in FIG. 4C.

Referring again to FIGS. 2A-3B, the structure of the device 100 leverages the force applied to the wing portions 104 and the first member 110 to ease extraction of the needle from the patient. In one embodiment, while the device is flush with the patient's skin, the operator moves the first member 110 to an upright position with respect to the central structural member 106. The operator then applies first and second fingers underneath the wing portions 104 and a thumb, for example, on or near the tab 152 of the first member 110. By applying force on top of the upright first member 110, the implanted port is stabilized in position. The operator can then apply force to lift the wing portions 104 up while applying a counter-force on the first member 110 to leverage the force applied on the wing portions.

The applied pressure forces the central structural member 106 and wings 104 up and away from the base member 108 and the needle 102 retracts into the cavity 182 in first member 110. With this arrangement, it is relatively easy for the operator to apply steady pressure to the device for a smooth extraction of the needle from the patient. That is, the needle is not suddenly freed from the patient in a relatively out of control manner. It is understood that the tab 152 can be shaped to facilitate movement of the first member 110 to an upright position and to accommodate force applied to the tab 152 by the operator's thumb.

FIGS. 4A-5B show further details of a Huber needle-type device, such as the device 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, having enhanced safety features in accordance with the present invention. FIGS. 4A-4C show a device in the non-use position from a perspective, top, and sectional view, respectively. FIG. 5A is a top view of a device in the use position in accordance with the present invention and FIG. 5B is a sectional view taken along line 5B of FIG. 5A.

In one embodiment, the devices can be delivered in the use position. As described above, the devices can include various features to prevent a transition from the use position to the non-use position. Also, as described above, the devices can include mechanisms to provide unidirectional movement to the non-use position. For example, a ratchet-type feature 110 b can be included in the first member 110, allowing the first and second wing portions 104 a,b extending from the central structural member 106 to move in only one direction.

The inventive medical device shown and described herein can be fabricated from a variety of suitable materials well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Exemplary materials include plastic, such as PVC, polyethylene, and the like.

One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A medical device, comprising: a central structural member; a needle extending from the central structural member; at least one wing member extending from the central structural member to receive a first force; a first member coupled to the central structural member, the first member for capturing the needle as it is removed from the patient, the first member to receive a second force in a direction generally opposing the first force; a base member for placement against a patient's skin, the base member pivotably coupled to the first member; and a second member pivotably coupled to the first member and the base member such that the device is movable from a use position in which the base member is adjacent the second member and a non-use position in which the first member is pivotably moved away from the base member and the needle is captured by the first member, wherein the first force and the second force cooperate to transition the medical device from the use position to the non-use position.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first member includes a cavity for receiving the needle.
 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the first member includes a latching mechanism to retain the needle in the cavity.
 4. The device according to claim 1, further including a first latch mechanism for securing the first member to the central structural member in the use position.
 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the first latch mechanism includes a tab to facilitate separation of the first member from the central structural member.
 6. The device according to claim 1, further including a mechanism for providing unidirectional movement of the first member.
 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first member includes a portion adapted for contacting an operator's thumb.
 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the second member includes first and second pivotably coupled sub portions.
 9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the first and second sub portions can be folded to stack under the first member in the use position.
 10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is fabricated from one or more materials including PVC and polyethylene.
 11. A Huber needle device, comprising: a main structural portion; a needle extending from the main structural portion; first and second wing portions extending from the main structural portion, at least one of the first and second wing portions to receive a first force; a first member coupled to the main structural portion, the first member including a cavity for capturing the needle, the first member to receive a second force in a direction generally opposing the first force; a base member for contacting a patient's skin in a use position of the device, the base member being pivotably coupled to the first member; and a second member pivotably coupled to the base member and the first member, wherein the device has a first position in which the first and second members abut and the needle extends from the device and a second position in which the first and second members are pivotably moved away from the base member and the needle is captured by the cavity in the first member, wherein the first force and the second force cooperate to transition the Huber needle device from the first position to the second position.
 12. The device according to claim 11, further including a first latch mechanism for securing the first member to the main structural portion.
 13. The device according to claim 12, further including a second latch mechanism for retaining the needle in the channel.
 14. The device according to claim 11, wherein the second member includes foldable first and second subportions. 